Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Short Description

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that marries tender, seared chicken with creamy, garlic-infused Parmesan rice. This dish combines the zesty flavors of lemon and white wine with the richness of butter and cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful dinner option that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: Simplifies cooking and cleanup by utilizing a single skillet.

• Rich Flavor Profile: Combines garlic, Parmesan, and lemon for a harmonious taste.

• Versatile: Suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins or grains.

• Family-Friendly: Appeals to a wide range of palates with its comforting flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), divided

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1½ teaspoons salt, divided

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1½ cups uncooked white rice

• 3 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, approximately 3–4 minutes per side.

   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup of the butter.

   • Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

   • Sauté for about 3 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn.

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine.

   • Stir vigorously to emulsify the wine into the butter.

   • Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by half.

   • Reserve 2 tablespoons of this sauce for later use.

3. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the remaining butter sauce.

   • Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.

   • Pour in the chicken broth and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.

   • Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

   • Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice during the first 15 minutes.

4. Combine and Finish:

   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked rice.

   • Arrange the seared chicken on top of the rice.

   • Drizzle the reserved 2 tablespoons of pan sauce over the chicken.

   • Cover the skillet, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes.

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different take.

• Grain Options: Use quinoa or orzo instead of rice for variety.

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth combined with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to maintain the acidity and depth of flavor.

Is it necessary to use freshly grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a zesty, savory dish featuring pan-seared chicken in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rice. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or elegant enough for entertaining!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the Rice: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.

2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.

3. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.

6. Assemble: Spoon rice onto plates and top with chicken and sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

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Notes

• Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

• Substitute shrimp for chicken to make it a seafood scampi.

• Use basmati or jasmine rice for added fragrance.